Bridging the gap between MSMEs and B2B commerce: How Solv is driving innovation under Amit Bansal’s leadership

In India, where over 63 million MSMEs^* (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) contribute significantly to the economy, these small businesses face a persistent set of challenges: fragmented supply chains, limited access to affordable procurement, and a lack of working capital. For many MSMEs, these obstacles hinder growth, making it difficult for them to compete in a rapidly changing marketplace.

Solv, a leading B2B digital marketplace, is tackling these issues head-on. Under the leadership of Amit Bansal, Solv has positioned itself as a solution for MSMEs struggling with procurement inefficiencies and limited access to credit. By providing a seamless platform that connects small businesses with verified suppliers, simplifying procurement, and integrating financial solutions, Solv is not just another marketplace — it's an ecosystem designed to empower and support India’s MSMEs.

Launched in 2021, Solv aims to help MSMEs break free from traditional supply chain bottlenecks and financial limitations that have long held them back, enabling them to thrive and grow in a competitive business landscape.


After decades of leadership roles at companies like Reliance and Flipkart, and his own venture, EZMall.com, Bansal realised that while MSMEs are the backbone of India’s economy, no one was directly solving the issues hindering their growth. Reflecting on his interactions with numerous MSME owners, Bansal said, “We met thousands of MSMEs during our previous journeys. During those interactions, we realised that most of them struggle with procurement of products at the right prices, while manufacturers struggle to grow their businesses as they are too dependent on intermediaries.”

This understanding fuelled Solv’s unique business model. Unlike traditional platforms, Solv operates on an asset-light framework, meaning it does not hold inventory, but facilitates seamless connections between buyers and sellers. This allows MSMEs to access a vast and diversified catalogue without the limitations and costs associated with inventory management. Bansal emphasised the importance of this approach, explaining, “Being asset-light empowers us to offer more choices to MSMEs, reduce working capital requirements, and serve them in a cost-efficient manner. We can scale faster and enter more markets without the hurdles of managing large inventories.”

Solv’s focus on MSMEs
What sets Solv apart is its relentless focus on MSMEs' needs. While many B2B platforms in India concentrate on a singular category like groceries, Solv covers a wide array of industries, including home furnishings, apparel, footwear, toys, consumer electronics, and groceries. This breadth ensures that MSMEs from diverse sectors can benefit from Solv’s marketplace. In addition, Solv addresses another major challenge for MSMEs—capital. Many small businesses find it difficult to secure financing, which restricts their ability to grow. Solv tackles this issue head-on by integrating financial solutions directly into its platform, offering MSMEs simple and accessible credit options.

“We understand how working capital is a major hindrance for small businesses,” Bansal noted. “It is a large part of our mission to offer financial support through our anchor-led supply chain finance business. One can easily access working capital through our platform, and our credit options are simple, easy to manage, and help them sustain and grow their operations.”

Solv’s digitised supply chain further enhances transparency, trust, and efficiency in the B2B space, enabling MSMEs to connect with verified suppliers and ensuring that they can procure quality goods at competitive prices. Bansal pointed out, “At Solv, we are laser-focused on building a comprehensive digital ecosystem that supports MSMEs at every stage of their journey. We connect businesses to verified suppliers, manage competitive pricing, and create financial options for them.”

Amit Bansal: The visionary behind Solv
Amit Bansal’s journey to founding Solv is rooted in years of leadership in some of India’s most prominent e-commerce and retail organisations. Prior to launching Solv, he was instrumental in scaling Flipkart’s large consumer durables business and leading significant initiatives like the Big Billion Day sale, which saw a 50x growth in gross merchandise value (GMV). His experiences at Flipkart, Reliance, and EZMall.com gave him the expertise to understand the operational and strategic needs of scaling businesses—insights he has applied to Solv.

Reflecting on his entrepreneurial journey, Bansal shared, “The experience at Flipkart gave me in-depth knowledge of the challenges faced by small businesses. When I saw the pain points first-hand, I felt the need for an ecosystem that attends to the missing middle, giving it the thrust to grow and sustain.”

Reshaping B2B commerce for the future
Solv’s impact on the MSME sector is undeniable, with over 400,000 small businesses already onboarded onto the platform. Beyond its current success, Solv is positioning itself as a key player in the future of B2B commerce. Bansal believes that digital transformation and data-driven insights will be crucial in shaping the future of MSMEs in India.

“Over the next 5-10 years, I see a few key trends shaping the landscape,” Bansal explained. “First, the adoption of digital platforms will accelerate. Second, MSMEs will increasingly leverage analytics to optimise inventory and understand customer behaviour. Third, personalised customer experiences will become crucial. Another significant trend will be sustainability.”

Solv is already on its way to integrating these trends into its platform, constantly refining its digital infrastructure to provide MSMEs with the tools they need to thrive. By fostering a marketplace of transparency, trust, and accessibility, Solv is not just empowering businesses—it is helping build stronger communities and creating opportunities for job creation and economic growth across India.

In Bansal’s words, “We are working on the value of trust and want to establish Solv as the trusted Indian B2B e-commerce marketplace. Our vision is to be agile and scalable, empowering MSMEs by making large assortments accessible while removing barriers like finance and procurement.”

As Solv continues to grow under Bansal’s leadership, it is clear that the platform is redefining what it means to succeed in B2B commerce, lighting the way for MSMEs to unlock their full potential.

References:
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